What is my proper path?

Many on this forum have a veteran's supply of knowledge and context for the game. My question is, beyond the basics, what would be the shortest path for you in terms of full context and knowledge of the game. Is it a certain book or two and some forum archives and clever search methodologies? Is there an order or method you'd prescribe? The question is, if you were to teach the full picture and give someone access to to all they needed to go their own way, how would you do it?

Many on this forum have a veteran's supply of knowledge and context for the game. My question is, beyond the basics, what would be the shortest path for you in terms of full context and knowledge of the game. Is it a certain book or two and some forum archives and clever search methodologies? Is there an order or method you'd prescribe? The question is, if you were to teach the full picture and give someone access to to all they needed to go their own way, how would you do it?

It almost seems like you answered your own question Villiam. There is a lot about blackjack that I don't completely understand concerning every aspect of the game itself. Learning to count really isn't that difficult, I believe just about anyone could learn how to count cards if they put in the time and practiced in a meaningful manner. That's not hard.

If I were to teach somebody else I would start them out on a level 1 counting technique, have them learn basic strategy, tag values, and then show them techniques for counting down a deck in less than 30 seconds for starters and then progress as needed. For a new player who has never played the game that right there will be a huge task. Most card players would probably quit while learning basic strategy, if that doesn't make them quit than learning how to count down a deck will in my opinion.

Thanks Blitz. I have done all that and more already though. My question was centered on the idea of a full context for theoretical understanding, on an advanced level. It's kind of a question centered on this idea: you can get to 95% mastery in something if you work pretty easily; it's the other 5% that blows and takes a long time. My question was about the quicker paths to full synthesis and expert-level calc ability.

Many on this forum have a veteran's supply of knowledge and context for the game. My question is, beyond the basics, what would be the shortest path for you in terms of full context and knowledge of the game. Is it a certain book or two and some forum archives and clever search methodologies? Is there an order or method you'd prescribe? The question is, if you were to teach the full picture and give someone access to to all they needed to go their own way, how would you do it?

Hard to say what "full context and knowledge" really means. Do we stop learning?

I'd say that for reasonably full understanding you should understand and memorize all basic strategy variations for available games, a reasonable number of indexes, and have solid proficiency in playing and casino demeanor. This includes managing heat, dealers, other players, etc.

Beyond that, you should be able to analyze games and opportunities reasonably well, and calculate your own optimal bet spreads and whatnot. The statistics aren't that complicated, and it can all be done on a spreadsheet. (Packaged software is fine, but it's a good idea to understand the fundamentals.)

Then you should move beyond counting and be ready to locate and exploit other opportunities for AP. This means analyzing games yourself, rules, strategies, etc., as well as appropriate comportment when exploiting them.

In addition to the usual blackjack books, a thorough reading of Exhibit CAA is a must. And read the blogs, forums, and archives religiously, hopefully to pick out useful information (there's a ton of crap too.)

Thanks Blitz. I have done all that and more already though. My question was centered on the idea of a full context for theoretical understanding, on an advanced level. It's kind of a question centered on this idea: you can get to 95% mastery in something if you work pretty easily; it's the other 5% that blows and takes a long time. My question was about the quicker paths to full synthesis and expert-level calc ability.

Hey whatever it takes to reach Nirvana but are you sure there is a quicker path to reach enlightenment?

Your proper path my son is to relieve casinos of as much cash as possible... amen.

I hear that. I'm thinking about going to the casino this weekend to play some poker in order to clear my mind and relax a little bit. I'm dialed in to take some bankrolls, send my opponents back home with a little less in the pockets, or to put them to bed early. There's also a $50K guaranteed Monster Stack event coming up around mid month that I am going to participate in.

Cooperative Learning

Originally Posted by JohnDoe

I'd say that for reasonably full understanding you should understand and memorize all basic strategy variations for available games, a reasonable number of indexes, and have solid proficiency in playing and casino demeanor. This includes managing heat, dealers, other players, etc. Beyond that, you should be able to analyze games and opportunities reasonably well, and calculate your own optimal bet spreads and whatnot. The statistics aren't that complicated, and it can all be done on a spreadsheet. (Packaged software is fine, but it's a good idea to understand the fundamentals.) Then you should move beyond counting and be ready to locate and exploit other opportunities for AP. This means analyzing games yourself, rules, strategies, etc., as well as appropriate comportment when exploiting them. In addition to the usual blackjack books, a thorough reading of Exhibit CAA is a must. And read the blogs, forums, and archives religiously, hopefully to pick out useful information (there's a ton of crap too.)

I agree fully. In addition, having a guide to learning these skills and participating with a team to attack lucrative situations with a full bankroll can be profitable both financially and informationally.

Many on this forum have a veteran's supply of knowledge and context for the game. My question is, beyond the basics, what would be the shortest path for you in terms of full context and knowledge of the game. Is it a certain book or two and some forum archives and clever search methodologies? Is there an order or method you'd prescribe? The question is, if you were to teach the full picture and give someone access to to all they needed to go their own way, how would you do it?

Sorry. A soirts analogy first. Between my Junior and Senior year I taught myself to play totally right handed. The offense was so simple and conservative I didn't my strength. Everyone including my coaches forgot I was a lefty. Every once in awhile I make a move with my left hand. Peope would marvel. Like, he just used his left and he is still in HS. By the time we got to the tourneys the better compitition would force me to go left at crucial points in the game which was my stregnth. So Id just blow passed the defender.

Now, in blackjack. Ive always used a column count. In other words, I knew which cards were played and which ones still remained. Along about 2013, I joined Norm's forum at his recommendation. Id never there was such a thing. His products provided a more streamlined approach.

Question I always ask myself. If I cant beat Verite in the quiet home within casino tolerances. How yhe hell do I think I can beat a casino with all the distractions?

I still play a column count. However, CV Data allowed me to set up all the various indices. From that, I can suggest Wong Halves/Perfect Insurance is a close as you are going to get to knowing the location of the cards.